REMIND Text Communication What is REMIND and why is it safe? REMIND is a text messaging system that the Cal High Instrumental Music program utilizes to facilitate effective program communication. It is a great way to receive notifications from the Band Director about important events and updates. Two-Way communication is used during trips and events for emergency situations. With REMIND, all personal information remains completely confidential. Sign Up for REMIND! Parents & Students: Please send the text message (for the appropriate group) to the number listed below. Note: Marching Band is separated by the graduation year. You may be prompted to enter your first and last name. Do NOT use nicknames. Remember to capitalize the first letter of each. Example: Jason Rodgers MARCHING BAND & COLOR GUARD (Students & Parents): Class of 2022, text the code @mbcg22 to the number 81010 Class of 2023, text the code @mbcg23 to the number 81010 Class of 2024, text the code @mbcg24 to the number 81010 Class of 2025, text the code @mbcg25 to the number 81010 INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS (Parents only): Text the code @boostcal to the number 81010 CLASS ENSEMBLES (Students only): Symphonic Band, text the code @symphcal to the number 81010 Wind Ensemble, text the code @windcal to the number 81010 Jazz Band, text the code @jazzbcal to the number 81010 Jazz Ensemble, text the code @jazzencal to the number 81010 Getting Here

Volunteer Requirements Volunteer Sign Up Be a Mentor Portal Volunteer with Cal High Music! Volunteers are the heart of our program, supporting everything from fundraising and moving equipment to fitting uniforms, cooking, serving, organizing rosters, arranging travel, and helping run festivals. No matter where your student’s passion lies—Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Orchestras, Winter programs, or the Marching Ensemble—there are countless ways for you to get involved. Your time and support help create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for our students during their years at Cal High! Volunteer Requirements In alignment with California State Assembly Bill 506, effective July 1, 2025, all SRVUSD volunteers will be required to complete a Livescan fingerprint background check as well as mandated reporter and sexual harassment prevention training to be eligible to volunteer for the 2025-26 school year. For more information on details and information on how to begin the process, links can be found above. Process for New School Volunteers (PDF) Log in to the Be A Mentor volunteer management system. Choose a volunteer level. You may choose Level One (no driving) or Level Two (with driving). Complete Livescan and TB requirements. Upload appropriate documents. Complete the Mandated Reporter training annually and the Sexual Harassment Prevention training every two (2) years. For Level 2 only: upload DMV driving record. Current School Volunteers Review the Volunteer Handbook and FAQ for more information on clearance requirements, how to change/add schools, or volunteer activities Discounted Fingerprinting & Reimbursement Cal High Music Boosters is excited to partner with Postal Annex - your go-to spot for Fingerprinting and LiveScan services! This collaboration helps make the volunteer process easier and more affordable for our music families. With convenient service and a special discount exclusively for Cal High Music volunteers, getting cleared to support our students has never been simpler. We're grateful to Postal Annex for supporting our program and helping us build a safe and vibrant community for all. As part of this partnership, volunteers can receive a discounted LiveScan fee and may also qualify for reimbursement of the rolling fee. Here's how: Discounted LiveScan is available only at Postal Annex, 9110 Alcosta Blvd, Ste H, San Ramon. (See location hours and contact info below.) Be sure to mention "Cal High Music" when requesting your LiveScan service. Music volunteers who sign up and help at 4 or more Fall 2025 Marching Grizzlies events can submit a reimbursement request at the end of the season (around November 2025). To be eligible for reimbursement, please include a copy of your LiveScan receipt with your request.

Program Handbook Winds & Percussion Marching Band Stores and Equipment Recommended Online Stores Woodwind & Brasswind (recommended for band instruments and supplies) www.wwbw.com/ Sweetwater Sound (recommended for guitars, keyboards, drums and electronics) www.sweetwater.com Steve Weiss Music (recommended for percussion instruments and equipment) www.steveweissmusic.com Interested in purchasing or renting an instrument? Contact rgrigas@srvusd.net and bberastain@srvusd.net . Winds & Percussion Recommended Equipment Woodwinds Cleaning Swab (all woodwinds) Recommended for flute: BG Flute Cleaning Swab Microfiber Recommended for clarinet: GEM Silk Clarinet Swab Recommended for saxophone/bass clarinet: BG Saxophone Swabs Recommended for oboe/bassoon: GEM Silk Double Reed Swabs Cork Grease (all reed instruments) Recommended for all reed instruments: Vandoren Cork Grease Tube Single Reeds (clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophones) Recommended reeds: Vandoren Reeds or Rico Royal Reeds Double Reeds Recommended oboe reeds: TBD Recommended bassoon reeds: Danzi Student Bassoon Reeds (blue wrap) Brass Valve Oil (trumpet, mellophone, baritone/euphonium, tuba) Recommended valve oil: Yamaha Regular Synthetic Valve Oil Rotor Oil (French Horn, trombone with F attachment, bass trombone) Recommended rotor oil: Hetman Light Rotor Lubricant Slide Lubricant (trombone) Recommended slide lubricant: Slide-O-Mix Lubricant System Percussion Concert Drum Sticks (for Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble percussionists) Recommended concert drum sticks: Vic Firth SD-1 General Drumsticks or Innovative Percussion IP-1 General Concert Snare Drumsticks Practice Pad and Stand Recommended practice pad: Evans RealFeel 2-Sided Pad 12-Inch Recommended stand: Lone Star Percussion Snare/Practice Pad Stand Mallets (provided by music program) Marching Band Equipment Required rehearsal items: 3 ring binder with sheet protectors for all music/exercises Rehearsal Water Jug Recommended: Coleman 1-gallon Beverage Cooler Jug Flip Folders and Lyres (required for wind musicians) Flip Folders: https://www.wwbw.com/Flip-Folders.wwbw Brass Lyres: https://www.wwbw.com/Brass-Lyres.wwbw Woodwind Lyres: https://www.wwbw.com/Woodwind-Lyres.wwbw (see Mr. Rugani if you are unsure of which lyre/flip folder to buy) Ear protection (required for drumline members) Recommended: Vic Firth Regular High Fidelity Ear Plugs Mechanical pencil 3x5 spiral notebook for drill (provided at Band Camp) Shoe lace or string to hang dotbook around neck during rehearsal A hat Sunglasses Sunscreen Weather appropriate athletic clothes that facilitates movement (NO jeans) Close toed tennis shoes and socks (NO flip flops or sandals)

Rehearsal and Performance Dates Thursday, February 24- After School Rehearsal 3:30-5:00pm in Band Room Wednesday, March 2nd- **8th Grade Night Welcome Rally Performance** 5:30-6:15pm, Call time 5:15 in Band Room Thursday, April 21- After School Rehearsal 3:30-5:00pm in Band Room Thursday, May 19- After School Rehearsal 3:30-5:00pm in Band Room Friday May 20- **Pine Valley 8th Grade Promotion** (DRUMLINE ONLY) Call time 9:15pm at Pine Valley Middle School Thursday, May 26- After School Rehearsal 3:30-5:00pm in Band Room Sunday, May 29- **San Ramon Art and Wind Festival** Call time 11:30am at Iron Horse Middle School

Instrumental Music Full Program Calendar SYNCING INSTRUCTIONS Our Google calendar above contains full program events, festivals, concerts, fundraisers, Booster meetings, etc. Everyone should add this calendar! To add the Instrumental Music Calendar to your calendar, use the "+" sign at bottom of calendar.

Fundraisers Volunteer Sponsorship Participant Contribution Support Us! There are many meaningful ways to support our Instrumental Music students, whether through a monetary donation, volunteering at events, joining our Booster Board, or purchasing spirit wear. Every contribution helps ensure our program continues to thrive. We’re committed to keeping costs manageable for families while maintaining the high standards that make our program such a valuable experience. Your support helps us provide exceptional opportunities, enrichment, and a vibrant musical community for our students and families. Thank you for being a vital part of our success!

MEMBER HANDBOOK PRACTICE SCHEDULE COMING SOON 2023 REGISTRATION FORM PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTION Thank you to our donors: What is Winter Guar d? Winter guard is an indoor color pageantry sport with its roots in military and veterans organizations ceremonies. Modern winter guard incorporates choreographed dance, acting, flags, and non-functioning rifles and sabres, along with other props. Unlike traditional color guard, winter guard is performed indoors, usually in a gymnasium or an indoor arena. Performances make use of recorded music rather than a live band or orchestra. Winter guards compete in local, state, and national circuits and is a growing activity in schools and independent organizations throughout the country! Do I need dance or color guard experience? No experience is necessary! While it is always beneficial for members have at least one year of color guard or dance experience, if a student is willing and committed to working hard, they will find a place on our team!

Program Handbook Concert Attire Equipment Auditions Concert Bands Cal High offers three concert band classes that provide a structured pathway for musical growth at every level. From developing fundamental techniques to mastering advanced ensemble performance, each class is tailored to meet students where they are in their musical journey. Whether you're just building your skills or ready for the challenge of honors-level repertoire, there's a place for you in our band program. Learn more about each ensemble below. CONCERT BAND Open to all students with prior experience on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument or those exploring a second instrument, this class focuses on developing instrumental technique through a diverse range of wind band literature. Students will also explore music theory, historical and cultural context, and make meaningful connections to other academic disciplines, enriching both their musical and educational journey. SYMPHONIC BAND (AUDITION BASED) This class builds on intermediate and advanced instrumental techniques through the study of a wide range of challenging wind band literature. Students will engage in a deeper exploration of musical elements, historical and cultural context, and interdisciplinary connections. Incoming 9th graders with advanced experience are encouraged to audition. WIND ENSEMBLE (AUDITION BASED, HONORS BAND) This honors-level course is designed for advanced musicians looking to further develop their skills through the study of sophisticated wind ensemble literature. The class emphasizes advanced instrumental techniques and includes an in-depth exploration of musical elements, historical and cultural context, and interdisciplinary connections. Note: Auditions for Symphonic & Wind Ensemble are now closed for the 2025-2026 school year. Information for the following year will be published in the Spring. For more information about Concert Bands, contact the Band Director Mr. Grigas at rgrigas@srvusd.net

Our Bandapalooza event will be held in the spring semester. Dates TBD. Open to all Pine Valley & Iron Horse 6th-8th Grade Band students! Spend a day performing hits from your favorite movies, including Star Wars, The Avengers, Disney films and more! Rehearse and perform side-by-side with members of the Cal High Band! More info coming soon!! Questions? Please contact Mr. Javier Cerna, CHS Band Director at calhighmusic@gmail.com

REMIND Text Communication What is REMIND and why is it safe? REMIND is a text messaging system that the Cal High Instrumental Music program utilizes to facilitate effective program communication. It is a great way to receive notifications from the Band Director about important events and updates. Two-Way communication is used during trips and events for emergency situations. With REMIND, all personal information remains completely confidential. Sign Up for REMIND! Parents & Students: Please send the text message (for the appropriate group) to the number listed below. Note: Marching Band is separated by the graduation year. You may be prompted to enter your first and last name. Do NOT use nicknames. Remember to capitalize the first letter of each. Example: Jason Rodgers MARCHING BAND & COLOR GUARD (Students & Parents): Class of 2022, text the code @mbcg22 to the number 81010 Class of 2023, text the code @mbcg23 to the number 81010 Class of 2024, text the code @mbcg24 to the number 81010 Class of 2025, text the code @mbcg25 to the number 81010 INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS (Parents only): Text the code @boostcal to the number 81010 CLASS ENSEMBLES (Students only): Symphonic Band, text the code @symphcal to the number 81010 Wind Ensemble, text the code @windcal to the number 81010 Jazz Band, text the code @jazzbcal to the number 81010 Jazz Ensemble, text the code @jazzencal to the number 81010 Getting Here

ENSEMBLES No matter your musical passion or skill level, there’s a place for you in one of our many ensembles! Whether you're drawn to the rich harmonies of concert band, the energy and excitement of marching band, the creativity of jazz ensemble, or the elegance of orchestra, each group offers a unique and rewarding experience. Join a community of dedicated musicians, grow your talents, and make lasting memories through performances, friendships, and musical excellence. Come find your sound and be part of something amazing! Marching Grizzlies The California High School Marching Ensemble is a top-tier performance group in the Tri-Valley area, known for its energy, musical skill, and strong tradition of excellence. As the largest ensemble at Cal High, they perform at football games, rallies, parades, and competitions throughout the Fall season. Their schedule includes regular rehearsals on Monday and Wednesday evenings, plus occasional Saturdays. Each year, the band typically participates in several field competitions, parades, and school events. Concert Bands Cal High offers three concert band classes that provide a structured pathway for musical growth at every level. From developing fundamental techniques to mastering advanced ensemble performance, each class is tailored to meet students where they are in their musical journey. Whether you're just building your skills or ready for the challenge of honors-level repertoire, there's a place for you in our band program. Orchestra Cal High offers two orchestra ensembles as part of its dynamic music program. The String Orchestra is open to students with at least one year of experience on a string instrument and performs at school concerts and events. The Chamber Orchestra is an advanced, audition-based ensemble that includes strings, winds, and percussion. This group performs more challenging repertoire and participates in concerts, fundraisers, and regional festivals. Jazz Band Cal High offers two jazz performance classes for student musicians. Jazz Band is open to all students with at least one year of experience and focuses on styles such as blues, swing, and improvisation, with performances at school concerts and fundraisers. Jazz Ensemble is an audition-based advanced group that explores more complex jazz styles and theory, performing at school events and a spring festival. Winter Percussion Cal High Winter Percussion is a theatrical percussion ensemble known for its bold, high-energy performances and musical excellence. The group combines marching percussion, mallet instruments, and modern music to create powerful and emotionally engaging shows. Students build skills in rhythm, technique, and teamwork while preparing for 4–5 competitions each season. Rehearsals take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings, with some Saturday practices as well.

Honor Ensembles Students who participate in honor bands are exposed to challenging music, incredible experiences, and they can help pave the way for success when preparing for college scholarship auditions. Honor bands are also great places to make new friends with students from around the community, state, or country. Below is a list of local and state honor bands. Many major universities offer honor band opportunities, so feel free to explore additional opportunities. All-State Honor EnsEmbleS These ensembles are sponsored by the California Band Directors Association (CBDA) and the California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA). All audition recordings and materials must be submitted by the CHS Music Director (TBD). Honor Band and Orchestra performances are held at the CASMEC conference in February. For more information, go to: Band: https://cbda.org/all-state-ensembles/auditions/ Orchestra: https://www.codaorchestras.org/high-school-all-state-orchestras/ Contra Costa County Honor Band Info for the CCCHB can be found at www.cccbda.org All Northern Honor Band The NCBA All Northern Honor Band is an exciting event for advanced music students to perform under the baton of highly respected music educators. The Honor Band performance takes place in Stockton typically around mid-January. The audition materials are the same for both CBDA and NCBA Honor Bands. Scales/etudes for honor bands as well as CAJ instrumental jazz materials are already posted on CBDA website. Honor Orchestra audition materials are posted on CODA website. For audition info, go to: https://www.ncbaonline.net/?page_id=176 National Honor Ensembles Music for All presents three positively life-changing honor ensemble experiences for the nation’s outstanding high school concert band, orchestra, and jazz musicians. As part of the Music for All National Festival, the honor ensembles provide a national stage and world-class learning and performance opportunities with distinguished conductors, artists, and master teachers. For audition info, please visit: https://festival.musicforall.org/honor-ensembles/